Manchester band, The 1975, win Best British Group at BRIT awards.

Manchester indie-rockers, The 1975, were crowned the Best British Group at the BRIT Awards last night.

The 4-piece, who have been playing together since they met Wilmslow High School, are the first act from Manchester to win the prestigious Best British Group award since Take That, 6 years ago 2011.

The band had to fend off fierce competition from the likes of Bastille, Biffy Clyro and Radiohead to win the award, with Little Mix also being nominated.

Frontman, Matty Healy, commented on the band's long history together while accepting the award: “This is mental. We’ve been a band since we were 13, for 14 years now.

"The only thing we tried to do with our album was to get to that place… And I just want to say… if you have a platform, don’t [stay in your lane].”

The band also caused some controversy afterd they were filmed smoking underneath their table during the award ceremony.

Previous winners of Brit Awards from Manchester include:

• Oasis: Best album of the last 30 years for (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? (2010); outstanding contribution (2007); best British group, best British album for (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? and Best British video for Wonderwall (1996); best British newcomer (1995)

• The Chemical Brothers: Best British dance act (2002)

• Elbow: Best British group (2009)

• Take That: Best British group (2011); best British live act and best British single for Shine (2008); best British single for Patience (2007); best British single for Back for Good (1996); best British single and best British video for Pray (1994); best British single for Could it be Magic (1993)

• The Bee Gees: Outstanding contribution (1997)

• Simply Red: Best British group and frontman Mick Hucknall named best British male (1993); best British group (1992)

• Lisa Stansfield: Best British female (1992 and 1991); best British newcomer (1990)

• M People: Best British dance act (1995 and 1994)